tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842962514586431912024-03-14T04:21:57.360-04:00Mom Next Doormomnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.comBlogger335125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-64428443935900252822016-07-25T22:10:00.000-04:002016-07-25T22:10:51.047-04:00Can you hear the wedding bells?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soooo...I'm getting married on Saturday!!! We had planned to be married in May 2017 but circumstances changed and we moved it up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Let's get the bad news out so we can focus on the fun stuff.) My fiance's mother was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer about a month ago. We couldn't possibly imagine getting married without her there so we made the easy decision to move it up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So with three weeks to go, we started planning a new, much smaller wedding. Amazingly, everything has come together so quickly and relatively easily. I think it's all meant to be this way. We got permission to be married on the campus where we both work. We found the perfect spot under a Willow tree, next to a stream, with a beautiful wrought iron bridge in the background. We will be surrounded by our closest family and friends and then we have rented out our favorite Mexican restaurant for an intimate linner (not a typo...we'll have it from 2-5pm so somewhere in the middle of lunch and dinner). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I found my dress several months ago at a place near my mom's (about 4 hours from me) and planned to go back in January for the first fitting but when I called to explain the situation, the woman immediately promised to have it ready in time. I went down two weekends ago for the fitting and my mom will bring it up for me when she comes for the wedding. It's a little nerve wracking to not have a second fitting but I trust the woman. She's amazing at what she does and I have complete faith. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were able to secure the same photographer too! I fell in love with the photos from this company and signed contracts with them for May several months ago. I can't believe they had this weekend open, but like I said, it's meant to be! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My girls planned to come up this summer to do dress shopping but were able to find an amazing dress on Amazon for $20 in the matter of hours!! They are the color I wanted and are an awesome Audrey Hepburn style! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had a few issues finding an officiant (everyone is on vacation!) but we finally nailed that down last week. She's a friend of the family and has been so flexible and amazing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We went shopping on Monday and found the perfect wedding bands in the matter of a few hours! We'll have to wait for them to be sized until after but that's a small price to pay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So really, everything has worked out so wonderfully! The whole reasoning behind this is heartbreaking and excruciating to think about but we are all focusing on the good that is happening and enjoying the time with his mom as much as possible. I'm incredibly excited to marry my best friend sooner than expected! Bud and Babe are excited too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So Saturday, July 30 is the day! Can you hear those wedding bells? I can and I'm smiling like a fool!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "ariel";"></span><span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-52095622407482069532016-02-21T11:45:00.000-05:002016-02-21T11:45:52.064-05:00Gettin' Hitched!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You guys!!! I’m engaged!!! LC proposed
to me AND the kids on Monday and it was the most adorable thing! He started out
by asking us to all go into our fancy living room. He then told the kids that
he had a question to ask me but that he needed them to say yes too because if
we all did then we’d be a family forever. I immediately started crying (happy
tears, of course!). He had me unwrap the outer box and open up the ring box so I
could see the little picture of us he stuck in there (so cute!). Then he took
the box from my hand, got down on his knee and asked if I would marry him. Through
my blubbering, I said yes and the kids started jumping around in happiness and
we all hugged. LC made sure the kids knew my tears were happy tears and we all
hugged again. He slipped the ring on my finger and I had to wipe away the tears
to get a good look at it. It’s absolutely perfect! Simple and elegant! I couldn’t
have picked out a better one if I tried and the fact that he never asked me a
question about my preferences and just <i>knew</i>
what would be right makes it a thousand times better! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The kids were both so excited but Bud was
left speechless. He just kept smiling and hugging us both and I could tell he
was just as excited as we were! It was adorable! He idolizes LC so he was just
beside himself with joy. I don’t think Babe fully understood what was happening
but our excitement made her excited.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything was perfect! Everything is
perfect! Life is so, so good!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANcCMc07FXI/Vsno0hYme2I/AAAAAAAABCE/FampTtwxJPk/s1600/enagement1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANcCMc07FXI/Vsno0hYme2I/AAAAAAAABCE/FampTtwxJPk/s400/enagement1.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#happy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's so sparkly!</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wG7wIEvn3B4/Vsno0t0RZCI/AAAAAAAABB8/IicyM0NWO6s/s1600/ring1.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wG7wIEvn3B4/Vsno0t0RZCI/AAAAAAAABB8/IicyM0NWO6s/s640/ring1.jpe" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "ariel";"></span><span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-34412625597176038002016-02-01T14:45:00.001-05:002016-02-01T14:45:31.208-05:00The Schedule<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been super duper long since I last posted but after a couple of "Schedule" posts from friends, I felt compelled to save my daily schedule as a reminder of what A Day in the Life looks like right now. So for posterity sake, here's our typical schedule during the week...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On mornings that my ex has the kids, he drops them off to me before he goes to work (he has to be there at 6:00am). The bracketed text is for those days - it rotates every week, either MRF or TW.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">[5:15 - get a text saying they are in the driveway</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5:15-5:20ish - go down and take Babe out of his arms while he puts Bud down. Bud walks himself up and I carry Babe up. She can never fall back asleep so I put her movie on for her. Surprisingly, Bud falls back asleep almost every time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5:20ish - crawl back into bed and be super anxious about my alarm going off in 20 minutes]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5:40 - Alarm goes off </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6:05 - finally give in, turn off alarm for the 4th time, get out of bed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6:05-6:25 - shower, dress, prep breakfast and other quick chores (e.g., putting away last night's pots and pans)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6:25 - wake up Bud and send him downstairs with his clothes for the day and his book (currently the 5th book in Rick Riordan's Heros of Olympus series) to put in his back pack</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6:27 - wake up babe and carry her and her clothes downstairs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6:30 - after they decide what they want (cereal or waffles), I make it for them and start making their lunches. Get their lunches into the back packs and make sure everything is arranged and ready for them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6:45 - 6:55 - force them to take their last bites of breakfast and corral them (literally) into the bathroom to get dressed and brush teeth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6:55 - assist the kids getting their winter gear and back packs on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7:00-7:15ish - If it's cold out, we wait for the bus inside. This requires me to keep my eyes on the corner that we can just barely see from our front window. (This is because if we aren't outside the driver will often just drive right by. Anxiety is high when it's cold.) As soon as I see the bus I send them running outside. Sometimes we are fooled by the "fake bus" (aka. some random charter bus, probably a senior citizen or disability service) and they come back inside to wait for the real bus. Then we see the real bus coming a couple minutes later and off they go to school. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7:15ish-7:30 - eat my own breakfast while checking Facebook and Instagram, if I have time I finish up any leftover chores, brush my teeth, and add my extra layer of clothes (it's always cold in my office so I require two layers to avoid frostbite). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7:30-7:40 - start my car, then go back upstairs to say goodbye to LC (the jerk gets to sleep in. Being a D1 coach has many advantages). Grudgingly, I get back out of bed and head to work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8:00-4:30 - working hard for my money. This includes using my lunch hour to do homework. (This is my last semester!! CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On nights I have the kids: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4:30-5:00 - I pick them up from my ex. On Monday's, Babe has dance so I meet them there. The other days I pick them up from his house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5:00 - Go to the store to buy stuff for dinner, or if a miracle has happened and I prepared in advance, head home to make it. (Rarely have I planned in advance. I know I should but it doesn't happen.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5:00-5:30 - Make dinner while the kids do their homework and/or play. Minecraft for Bud, dolls for Babe</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6:00ish-7:30 - (if I'm on the ball we can eat by 6 but more often it's later than that) Eat dinner, clean up from dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7:15-8:00 - the kids play before I tell them to get in the shower and ready for bed. They mostly shower on their own but I have to rinse the shampoo and conditioner out of Babe's hair. Bud usually likes me to be in the bathroom when he's showering but I usually slip out to finish up the dishes or other chores.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8:00-8:15 - Have the kids call their dad to say goodnight. Then LC and I take the kids upstairs, get their movie playing and set the sleep timer (Yes, I realize this qualifies me for every Bad Mom award but it's the only way they stay in bed. #tryingtosurvive). Hugs and kisses all around and then we head back downstairs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8:15-10:00 - do homework, watch tv/hang out with LC. Invariably, one or both of the kids comes down and says they can't sleep. Sometimes they get a dose of melatonin to help, other times they are clearly stalling and they get sent back up, reminding them of relaxation techniques to fall asleep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10:00-10:30 - get ready for bed, climb in and play on my phone until I can't keep my eyelids open (usually not a long process), toss out my contacts and zonk out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On nights I don't have the kids:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4:45-6:00 - Arrive home, sometimes start dinner, other times we eat leftovers or go out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6:00-10:00 - do homework, watch tv/hang out with LC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On Thursday's LC and I play in a volleyball league about 40 minutes away. Nights with the kids I have a babysitter stay with them while we go (my cousin who goes to a local college...I hate that this is her last semester!). We play anywhere between 6:00-9:00 so her responsibilities change depending on our game time. She might need to feed them dinner or just needs to sit in the house and do homework while they sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Currently, I'm LC's guinea pig for his jump training regiment. (To see if his training works for everyone or just him.) This means I do a leg work out every Tuesday and Friday. It only takes about 15 minutes so it's not that intrusive and we do it whenever we can fit it in...sometimes before the kids go to bed, sometimes after. I'm trying to do other stuff too but it usually isn't that consistent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Weekends are always crazy, with the kids or without. If we don't have the kids, we spend Sunday afternoon/evening with LC's family and play pick up volleyball from 7:00-9:00. If we do have the kids, LC heads off around 3:00 and me and the kids stay back. LC's hometown is a 1/2 hour away so volleyball until 9:00 with them isn't feasible. We usually have a relaxing afternoon of game playing and enjoying each other's company. After they go to bed I take advantage of the time and get lots of homework done until LC gets back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You'll notice that nowhere in this schedule do I include getting laundry done. That's bc my awesome boyfriend gave me the gift of doing the laundry for 33 weeks for my 33rd birthday. Holla! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So that's what our days look like for now. I'll try to do another one in the warmer weather since that changes the whole game.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "ariel";"></span><span style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-20284961989956254692015-09-28T15:27:00.000-04:002015-09-28T15:27:23.047-04:00My Spartans - 2015<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a while since I've felt compelled to post but this weekend my kids were amazing and it deserves to be recorded for posterity! They completed in the first ever Spartan Kids Race. If you aren't familiar with Spartan Races, they are basically races with obstacles. That makes it sound so mild. They are not. They are physically demanding and hella hard! The kids version was certainly toned down but that doesn't mean it was easy. They had to scale and jump all sorts of barriers, flip tires, run through water, throw spears (blunt, of course), carry heavy bags of dirt, you get the idea! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bud ran first and put on a show! We couldn't see all the obstacles but every time he disappeared, he reappeared ahead of everyone else! His most impressive feat was the inverted wall. We were waiting at the wall for a while because the course before that point was hidden from view so we had the opportunity to watch other kids try. The majority couldn't do it. They had helpers there to lift the kids up and over when there were struggling and I was very curious how Bud would react to the obstacle. He came sprinting out of the woods, ran up to the wall, and attacked that thing like he owned it! I had to hold back the tears (and I have to do that now as I write) watching him make easy work out of a difficult obstacle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you can't view the video above, try this link: </span><span style="text-align: start;">http://vid1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/A0B40D4A-B805-4520-993F-1F44607606CA_zpslu55b4mb.mp4</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knew he was running a 4k but I have no concept of distance, especially when it's in kilometers, so he got done with all the obstacles I saw and figured he was done. They had workers guiding the kids where to go and I heard them ask if he had gone once or twice. He said once and they shepherded him through a shoot and back over to the first obstacle. I was so confused until I realized it meant he had to run the course twice! I could only imagine how he felt when he made the realization too. I asked him afterwards and he said, "Yeah, I wasn't expecting that but I just kept telling myself 'you can do this! Keep going' and I did." I was so thankful that I had my sunglasses on so no one saw me get teary eyed again! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bud has always been athletic and freakishly strong so I knew he'd kill this race but I wasn't prepared to feel the absolute pride that coursed through me. Every child got a medal and every child got a shirt but seeing him in that "winners circle" was indescribable. He's an amazing kid!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His second time over the inverted wall</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Babe is super competitive so I knew she'd want to do the race just because Bud was. She's athletic and strong too but she's much more timid and doesn't love to push her physical limits as much as Bud. We got there early and they had practice obstacles set up. Bud immediately attacked them but Babe was very uncertain and hesitant. She was scared to do them by herself and wanted me to hold her hand to jump down. Eventually she did start doing it on her own but she was still very timid. I was concerned for the race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her race was a 2k so she ran the course once. At the starting line she stood in the back and timidly made her way to the front as the line moved forward (they staggered the start so it was kind of chaotic). She jumped over the first barrier and took off with the group. The first few obstacles weren't visible (that's where the tire flipping was) but eventually I saw her making her way towards us. She was flat out running and took the obstacle with ease (run up and down a steep hurdle). Next was the balance beam and she took about 3 minutes to get across because she was so nervous about falling off (it was 2 inches off the ground). At this point I was proud of her but I was also really nervous for her. The next few obstacles took her out of sight again and eventually she popped up over the other side of the river and we cheered and waved to her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waving frantically from across the river</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was still running flat out and was waving like crazy to us. Eventually she came back around and it was her turn to do the inverted wall. Her wave was very crowded and it was a younger group so everyone was going slow and there were often delays at the obstacles. She had to wait her turn to climb and she was too short to jump and grab the top but her brains took over and she figured out how to use the middle support beam to climb and reach it. One of the helpers came over at that point and I was a little disappointed because I think she could have done it entirely on her own. But in any event, she cleared it and sprinted to the next one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She had to carry a sack of dirt around a track. I was kind of far from her at this point but could still see her. As usual, it was chaotic and all the helpers were assisting other children. I saw her trying to pick up the sacks but they were too heavy. I lost sight of her in the mob, until she finally emerged from the crowd with a sack slung over her shoulder. She staggered with each step. Her legs were wobbly as she tried to carry the sack that was probably half her weight. The sack didn't have a good handle so it kept slipping and she had to readjust but she kept it on her shoulder and just kept moving. Slowly, methodicall, shakily, she made her way around the course. All around her bigger, older kids were dropping their bags and leaving them to continue around the track without their sack. But there was my girl, struggling but sticking with it. Step by step she kept going. She got to the obstacle, put her bag to the side like everyone else, hopped over the barrier, and went back to get her bag. Most of the kids that hadn't dropped their sack earlier just left it at the obstacle. Not my girl. She picked her sack back up, slung it over her shoulder and finished off the track still staggering under it's weight. Her fortitude and perseverance was awe-inspiring! She was AMAZING! I had never been more proud of her! She never gave up, didn't complain, and just got the job done. Her spirit was/is amazing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sack o' dirt</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/35F68F5A-EBB5-4189-9E0B-6BB55492CF82_zpsauyba8vr.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 35F68F5A-EBB5-4189-9E0B-6BB55492CF82_zpsauyba8vr.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/35F68F5A-EBB5-4189-9E0B-6BB55492CF82_zpsauyba8vr.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hangin' Tough</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They both loved the experience and are ready to do it again next year! Bud was disappointed that there wasn't any mud pits involved but he felt appeased by the water crossings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's some more pics of the event:</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/0BFC3144-AA27-47EC-947D-5ADC41FB355D_zps84rogti9.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 0BFC3144-AA27-47EC-947D-5ADC41FB355D_zps84rogti9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/0BFC3144-AA27-47EC-947D-5ADC41FB355D_zps84rogti9.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easy peasy!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/5449B512-BB52-4125-96FD-FCC40AAF94EB_zpsdsl3iiwy.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 5449B512-BB52-4125-96FD-FCC40AAF94EB_zpsdsl3iiwy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/5449B512-BB52-4125-96FD-FCC40AAF94EB_zpsdsl3iiwy.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hesitant but determined! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No sweat!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the practice course. She finally got the "hang" of it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Spartans! AROO!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He makes it look easy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rolling under!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Winner's Circle!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/9566368D-59BA-4726-ACDF-002C271D516D_zpszhjl830f.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 9566368D-59BA-4726-ACDF-002C271D516D_zpszhjl830f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/9566368D-59BA-4726-ACDF-002C271D516D_zpszhjl830f.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finishers!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knew they'd both do well but they both KILLED it! I've never been more proud of them! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They slept like babies that night but they did so with their medals next to their beds and their bandannas on their heads. They are Spartans! AROO!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-87485877073019950062015-09-09T14:53:00.000-04:002015-09-09T14:53:46.140-04:00Obligatory first day of school pics<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time flies. Children grow like weeds. All those things are true. But seriously, how do I have a 1st and 4th grader already?? A beautiful, exuberant, smart 1st grader and a handsome, witty, and smart 4th grader! Mind.Blown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been our tradition to take pictures at their grandparents house on the first day of school. I'm so glad that's still alive and well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-24182195877523957442015-04-15T09:41:00.000-04:002015-04-15T09:41:34.090-04:00Work Hard and Be Nice<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the most important things for me as a mother is to teach my
children how to be happy, compassionate, understanding, and hard working. I
know that I must lead by example and I have made great changes in my life so
that I can accomplish exactly that. I believe little bits of inspiration can
lead to big changes and I want to expose my children to as much wisdom as I can.
One of the ways I like to find wisdom is in quotes. I’m big on quotes. (My
Pinterest boards can attest to that.) I love drawing inspiration and wisdom
from all kinds and I have begun to use quotes in my decorating. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was little my mom had a quote hanging in her kitchen and it
always resonated with me. It was, “To know you is to love you and I know you
very much.” So simple and yet it has stuck with me all these years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My kitchen is my favorite room in the house and it has a style all
its own. I knew I wanted a sign to hang above the rafters and a few weeks ago I
found the perfect one. It’s everything I want for my children. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's such a simple sign, but it contains so much wisdom. I hope it will rub off subconsciously on both of them and I will also use it as an inspiration in my own life so they can see this thought in action. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-45891589535442818862015-04-13T16:24:00.000-04:002015-04-13T16:24:21.912-04:00The Perfect Day<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things have been crazy hectic lately. I had to work late for most
of last week and it ended up that I didn’t get to see the kids for a whole week!
By Friday I was having serious withdrawals and was seriously itching to spend some real good
quality time with them! Friday was pretty decent so we got outside a little
bit. Saturday we had to run some errands (including buying new shoes because they
suddenly have monster feet) but it was cold so we didn't stay out long. But
we had to get out there for a short time to try out their new skates!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Skating_zpsyf5woaf0.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Skating_zpsyf5woaf0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Skating_zpsyf5woaf0.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But Sunday! Oh Sunday! It was glorious! The weather was warm, the
sun was shining, and we couldn’t WAIT to get out there! We spent pretty much
the whole day outside and it was everything we needed! We started out at the
park next to our old apartment. As we walked by the old place, Bud turned to LC
and said excitedly, “Look! That’s where we first met you!” My heart could not
get any more full!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/LC%20swing%201_zpsiczhaany.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo LC swing 1_zpsiczhaany.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/LC%20swing%201_zpsiczhaany.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best Bud's</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Jungle%20gym_zpsfpvaohff.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Jungle gym_zpsfpvaohff.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Jungle%20gym_zpsfpvaohff.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This old school jungle gym makes for the best pretend play!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LC is a workout fiend. So for him, all the world is a gym...</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/LC%20lift%202_zpsdvt9ho1q.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo LC lift 2_zpsdvt9ho1q.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/LC%20lift%202_zpsdvt9ho1q.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/LC%20Lift1_zpsqwphsutq.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo LC Lift1_zpsqwphsutq.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/LC%20Lift1_zpsqwphsutq.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't you want to smack him for making this look so effortless?</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/LC%20lift%20montage_zpsvre53d5s.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo LC lift montage_zpsvre53d5s.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/LC%20lift%20montage_zpsvre53d5s.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notice how Bud is closely observing and then had to join in! :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, so this next picture is by far my favorite thing ever. LC was trying to get out of the jungle gym and decided to go out the top. It was NOT easy. He had to get his legs up through and then flip over. This first picture was him trying to get his legs over.</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/LC%20flip%202_zpslsn95l2k.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo LC flip 2_zpslsn95l2k.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/LC%20flip%202_zpslsn95l2k.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This makes me laugh all the laughs!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/LC%20flip%201_zpspo7ykpij.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo LC flip 1_zpspo7ykpij.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/LC%20flip%201_zpspo7ykpij.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Got one leg! It looks like he's breakdancing in the air!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/LC1_zpscmk99wbt.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo LC1_zpscmk99wbt.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/LC1_zpscmk99wbt.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He made it! LOL!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(I also tried after him and made it, but I was so thankful he didn't pull out the camera!)</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/LC%20teeter%201_zpsojud8piu.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo LC teeter 1_zpsojud8piu.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/LC%20teeter%201_zpsojud8piu.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here he is helping Babe on the teeter totter while getting in some squats! LOL!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/LC%20teeter%202_zpskaieiage.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo LC teeter 2_zpskaieiage.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/LC%20teeter%202_zpskaieiage.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And some tricep presses </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(if I got the exercise wrong, mea culpa)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of the day we spent outside playing on the driveway and in the yard. We have a nice set up! Before dinner Bud pulled out one of his Christmas presents (that was packed shortly after Christmas in anticipation of the move) and we excevated some pretty rocks from a bit of plaster. The kids really had a great time with this!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We rounded out the evening with some more time on the driveway after dinner. I showed Bud some of my razor scooter skills and Babe followed us around on her skates. It was the perfect end to a perfect day! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-45140257348271815972015-02-09T11:30:00.000-05:002015-02-09T11:30:01.575-05:00It's my Blog-aversary!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday marked 4 years since I started blogging! Can’t believe
it’s been that long (while at the same time I can’t believe that’s all it has
been)! I wish I had kept up the pace all these years, but I’m still happy to
have this place waiting for me when I have something to say. It’s been a roller
coaster for a while now, but I’m so thankful that I’m on a major upswing these
days! Let’s cover a few things, shall we? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The house is coming along nicely! If you recall, I bought this GEM
recently. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/543EEB06-EF99-49AB-B3A8-1437B95D901B_zpsd24bzfio.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 543EEB06-EF99-49AB-B3A8-1437B95D901B_zpsd24bzfio.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/543EEB06-EF99-49AB-B3A8-1437B95D901B_zpsd24bzfio.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still can’t believe it’s ours! The outside is completely
perfect. Sure, we might add a swing set in the summer, maybe do a little
planting here and there, but if we left it as is, it would be still be absolutely
perfect! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The inside however…well that leaves a little to be desired! The previous owner liked red. A lot! A lot, a lot! So these last few weeks we've been working to
make it NOT red! So far, we are making good progress. For instance, our living
room…</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/5E9DA673-F7ED-4A7F-932E-B795B75E65C4_zps7vecztey.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 5E9DA673-F7ED-4A7F-932E-B795B75E65C4_zps7vecztey.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/5E9DA673-F7ED-4A7F-932E-B795B75E65C4_zps7vecztey.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bye-bye red!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/C64817DB-9E66-43D1-9E51-16BF588A0442_zpshxr11cpw.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo C64817DB-9E66-43D1-9E51-16BF588A0442_zpshxr11cpw.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/C64817DB-9E66-43D1-9E51-16BF588A0442_zpshxr11cpw.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Different angle (better shot of the color)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It took a lot of hours with all that trim (that had gold and black
to cover…yes, she had gold and black painted everywhere to accent the red!) but
it was all worth it! I absolutely LOVE the way it came out! And how about those doors?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are still working on the master bedroom. Don’t you just love
the red pastoral scenes? BARF! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/1FE84FFC-FB3B-4BC4-96AE-62E56D351631_zpsluoa7r4e.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1FE84FFC-FB3B-4BC4-96AE-62E56D351631_zpsluoa7r4e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/1FE84FFC-FB3B-4BC4-96AE-62E56D351631_zpsluoa7r4e.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0483_zps146a7b3f.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0483_zps146a7b3f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0483_zps146a7b3f.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Different angle...more red! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(But look at those windows!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the paper is off now and we have started priming it. The walls
are cement board so it’s going to take several layers of primer to make it look
good. When it’s done it’s going to be chocolate and mint! Can’t wait!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last project before we officially move in is the family room.
This is what it looked like at the start of yesterday...</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/42DA7DDA-8D11-4C3E-9C90-A088445E6CE0_zps56mremlf.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 42DA7DDA-8D11-4C3E-9C90-A088445E6CE0_zps56mremlf.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/42DA7DDA-8D11-4C3E-9C90-A088445E6CE0_zps56mremlf.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After scraping away all the red, we found…PINEAPPLES!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/AFA52561-0B97-492D-B9A7-1CE247B14A35_zpspifkxz61.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo AFA52561-0B97-492D-B9A7-1CE247B14A35_zpspifkxz61.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/AFA52561-0B97-492D-B9A7-1CE247B14A35_zpspifkxz61.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/5969E5F2-EDAB-4ADE-B324-ADAFF58FBCDC_zpsryxb8xip.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 5969E5F2-EDAB-4ADE-B324-ADAFF58FBCDC_zpsryxb8xip.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/5969E5F2-EDAB-4ADE-B324-ADAFF58FBCDC_zpsryxb8xip.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Extreme close up!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/EC834D36-A7A9-4AF3-B119-2DF5B5E01032_zpsk6mgcckv.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo EC834D36-A7A9-4AF3-B119-2DF5B5E01032_zpsk6mgcckv.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/EC834D36-A7A9-4AF3-B119-2DF5B5E01032_zpsk6mgcckv.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[Insert Sponge Bob jokes here]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aren’t they <s>nauseating</s> beautiful?! Actually, it’s pretty
cool because this paper is VERY old! The seller left behind a folder of history
on the house, including some old pictures from around the 1920’s-1940’s. In one
of the pictures you can clearly see this wallpaper, so it’s incredibly old! I
find that cool! (But also ugly.) We aren’t sure yet if we’ll paint over it or
undertake the tedious task of scraping it all off. Neither is going to be easy,
so we have to decide soon. Once we are done, this room will be green on top with
white below the chair rail. Can’t wait!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The house has been consuming most of our time lately, but we haven’t
let that stop us from having a good time in other areas as well. For instance, my
dad and I took Bud to his first NY Rangers game last weekend! OMG you guys!! I’m
not sure who was more excited!! He kept saying “I can’t believe I’m really
here! I can’t believe I’m one of thousands that gets to come!” (At first he
said “hundreds” and I had to tell him it was WAY more than hundreds…that made
him in awe even more!) It was such a great night (helped by the fact that they
spanked the Hurricanes!) and one I will never forget!! I don’t think he will
either!!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/2F1D5E67-5800-4D2F-805A-C62E9662F85D_zpswfqtoxyc.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 2F1D5E67-5800-4D2F-805A-C62E9662F85D_zpswfqtoxyc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/2F1D5E67-5800-4D2F-805A-C62E9662F85D_zpswfqtoxyc.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have to have a soft pretzel when you go! He thoroughly enjoyed this tradition!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Babe is a bit too young for a Rangers game (attention span,
interest, etc.) so my mom spoiled her at a kid’s spa for the evening! Talk
about exciting! This place was amazing! It couldn't have been more perfect for
her!! She had her nails and toes done and a blue hair extension put in! <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was in her glory!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/081DCDD8-F59E-4666-8E3A-B0210C916724_zpspty6bkpp.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 081DCDD8-F59E-4666-8E3A-B0210C916724_zpspty6bkpp.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/081DCDD8-F59E-4666-8E3A-B0210C916724_zpspty6bkpp.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She just belongs in a place like this!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/C70D1B7A-EEB3-4A6D-A659-68937E08447B_zpsxarhdoeq.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo C70D1B7A-EEB3-4A6D-A659-68937E08447B_zpsxarhdoeq.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/C70D1B7A-EEB3-4A6D-A659-68937E08447B_zpsxarhdoeq.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She never misses an opportunity to ham it up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So yes, we've been busy these last few weeks but enjoying every
second! Here’s to another year!</span><span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-70229742552959242522015-01-09T15:44:00.000-05:002015-01-09T15:44:59.678-05:00Next Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjZjAAHw1IA/VK_3vXIaPyI/AAAAAAAABA4/_O5yXuiu7Tk/s1600/New%2BHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjZjAAHw1IA/VK_3vXIaPyI/AAAAAAAABA4/_O5yXuiu7Tk/s1600/New%2BHouse.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You guys! See that house! That's going to be MY house...next week!! Holy Good God I'm so excited!! I cannot wait to become a homeowner again! This will be the 3rd home that I've owned, so I know it's not all sunshine and roses, but I am SO SICK of renting and dealing with landlords and having my kids shoved into one bedroom! This is a four bedroom house on a half acre of land! Yes please!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really feel like this is my new beginning. I've been in a suspended state of transition for so long and I am SO READY to be settled! This will be my 7th move in 10 years. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So very ready to settle! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talking to my family and friends, I try to put into words how happy I am with where I am in life and how happy I am in my relationship with LC. It's not easy to express the level of happiness I feel. I appreciate him more than words can express. It is true that my point of view is slightly altered because of what I dealt with for so long, but it doesn't change how wonderful he is, all it does is make me more appreciative of what I have now. As one friend commented, "Welcome to a healthy relationship." I think that sums it up perfectly. I feel so relieved to be appreciated and respected and valued. Those are really no-brainers in a relationship, I know, but I didn't have that for almost a decade. The shift is indescribable! Did I mention I'm happy?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I get closer to closing on the house, my excitement level is increasing exponentially! I can't wait to paint and arrange and decorate and all the other stuff that goes along with it! We have decided to delay our move-in so that we can get all the painting done before our stuff is in there. We have a LOT of painting to do. The previous owner liked red...a lot!!! Everything is red! Even the molding has red stripes! It's going to be oh-so-fun to cover but YAY for good primer! We'll make all. the. red. ancient history!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of ancient history...the house was built in 1837!! How cool is that?! It's the second oldest home still standing in the town! It's one of the few homes that escaped the great fire of the town in the 1860's. As you can see, it's brick, which I love! I grew up in a brick house so there's a lot of sentimental attachment for me. The previous owner bought it in disrepair but spent the last 11 years fixing it up and restoring it. I am hugely benefiting from her hard work! The brick was all repointed and everything is in tip-top shape! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Pinterest boards are blowing up with new ideas and fun ways to decorate and make it my own. One of the things I'm most appreciative about is the full support that LC gives me with this whole thing. As a typical guy, he doesn't particularly care about the color we choose or the style we go with, but he indulges me and goes with me to pick things out and is fully invested when we do. He doesn't put down my choices or make me feel like I don't know what I'm doing. He has great ideas and is great at making decisions and he supports <i>my</i> decisions, not just in words, but in his actions. He backs up his words with the way he treats me and responds to me and works with me. Again, welcome to a healthy relationship! It's a breath of fresh air and it makes me truly excited about this whole process. I know I won't have the stress I used to have in these situations. I know he's in it with me and that means everything. And it makes everything so much more exciting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully the house is really in move-in condition. All the changes we are going to make are style choices (I choose <b>not </b>old lady style). I will be taking lots of pictures as we transform the house into our home. I hope to detail it here, but let's be real, it will probably be one post with a massive photo dump...but who doesn't love a photo dump?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NEXT WEEK AND IT'S MINE!!! WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-66947168274712111792014-11-21T08:42:00.000-05:002014-11-21T08:42:01.872-05:00Changes<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There have been some changes in my life over the course of the
last year or so (#understatement). One of the biggest changes has been my
ability to be a mother to my children. Trying to define what being a “bad mom”
means isn’t easy and is highly subjective. My kids have always been loved and
cared for, but when I was still married I wasn’t winning any Mom of the Year
awards. I knew it, my ex made sure I knew it, and that only made things worse.
The feelings of inadequacy, knowing that you are being judged by your spouse,
the stress and anxiety of dealing with a bad marriage, it all combined to make
me less than present for my children. I knew I wasn’t doing the best I could,
but I also couldn’t bring myself to fix it. I hid from it, from them.
Everything had me on edge and I couldn’t handle the little things. I know now
that a very big part of it was that I wasn’t allowed to have “me” time. I was
made to feel guilty about liking different things or wanting to do something
that didn’t involve them. I knew in my heart it was ok to want to take care of
me, but that didn’t help the guilt (I was raised Catholic after all!) when I
was constantly told I must not love them if I didn’t want to be with them at
all times. That’s all pieces of why I ended my marriage. I couldn’t be the
person/mother/wife I knew I could be. I wasn’t <i>allowed</i> to be the person/mother/wife I knew I could be. I felt like
I was always gasping for air. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a new person. Or, rather, I’m finally the person I knew I
could be. Happiness is a powerful state of being. Not only can I BE THERE for
my children, I WANT to be there for them. I can actually enjoy them and revel
in those “their only small once” moments. I am able to step back in those stressful
moments and smile and joke and ease the tension. I can show my kids how to deal
with stress and how to love each other whole-heartedly. They are learning to
love by example and it’s because I’m present now to show them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of my happiness stems from being with a person who respects
me, appreciates me, and encourages me to be myself, with all my faults...and he
loves me anyway. He does not ask me, nor expects me, to define myself in
relation to him. It’s such a simple thing, but it has completely changed my
life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finally feel like I am acceptable the way I am, I can mother the
way I know is best for me and my kids, I can explore new avenues of myself
without fear of judgment or backlash, and I am becoming a role model for my
kids. That one is the most important to me. I can show my kids that happiness
is the norm, acceptance is good, narrow-mindedness is <u>not</u> a virtue, and
finding yourself is the most important thing you can do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is one more change that is coming down the pipe. I am finally
going to be settled in a way I haven’t been for over 14 years. I’m finally
going to have a home that I will live in for a very long time! I don’t want to
say anything about the house specifically because things are still in the
beginning stages, but I need to comment on the significance of this next step. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shortly after my sister died we moved to a new house, and very
shortly after that (two weeks) I went away to college. Looking back, I can see I
have never felt settled from that point on. I’ve owned two homes and rented
numerous places in the last 14 years, but none of them have felt like home. I
was never fully invested in any of those places. I never fully unpacked in any
of them. One place in particular, I never even hung a single thing on the walls
and boxes remained in almost every room. I couldn’t bring myself to invest in
furniture or décor or do anything to make it feel like something other than
temporary. I got close in my last house. We renovated it from top to bottom,
and there were a few stamps of ownership there, but it was still lacking
something. It was lacking happiness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven’t even closed on this new house yet, but I already feel
settled. I feel ready to let go of all the things I’ve schlepped from one place
to the next, always hanging on because I didn’t know if I’d need it in the next
place. Nothing has happened yet but I already feel lighter. I know this will be
where I live and where I raise my children to be well-adjusted, happy adults.
This is the last step to pass into the next chapter in my life. I can close the
door on the transient lifestyle I somehow found myself in. I can put down
roots, finish the things I’ve wanted to accomplish, and really invest in my
future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so excited for this next chapter, to close the door on the
transition phase and finally live in the present. It’s so simple, yet has been
such a long journey. It’s been quite the journey, but I’ve made the right
changes to get onto the path that’s meant for me. **Deep exhale** </span><span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-15435957969854079962014-10-11T23:27:00.000-04:002014-10-11T23:27:05.135-04:00Piseco 2014<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we made our annual trek to Piseco (in the Adirondacks) to hike Panther Mountain! It's a family tradition that I am determined to carry on no matter what our family configuration is! (And the current configuration is almost more than I could ask for!) Today was a great day for a hike! Last year it was cold, foggy, and rainy. Today was partly sunny, mild, and just about perfect for a hike! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The kids were so excited to show LC all the highlights of the trail. LC is always showing them new things that he knows a lot about, so they loved being the ones to show him new things this time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bud was our "leader" and did a great job scouting out the trail (for muddy spots). Thankfully there weren't too many bad spots. </span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0225_zps4737d25d.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Our leader/scout photo DSC_0225_zps4737d25d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0225_zps4737d25d.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He took his job seriously!</span></div>
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The hike is .6 miles. It's the perfect amount, with plenty of great places to stop for a rest. We come to our favorite resting spots about half way up. The legendary Big Rock and Chair Rock!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the last three years I've taken the kid's picture on the "chair rock" as close as I can to the same position each year. I think it's so much fun to see them grow from year to year. </span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0250_zps9b8aceef.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="2014 photo DSC_0250_zps9b8aceef.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0250_zps9b8aceef.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2014</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Piseco2013_zps0faa8b57.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Chair rock - 2013 photo Piseco2013_zps0faa8b57.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Piseco2013_zps0faa8b57.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Too wet to stretch out like usual)</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Piseco2012_zpsed57ab5e.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Chair rock - 2012 photo Piseco2012_zpsed57ab5e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Piseco2012_zpsed57ab5e.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We decided we needed to start a chair rock picture series for ourselves too. </span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0262_zpsc37c13ec.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0262_zpsc37c13ec.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0262_zpsc37c13ec.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hopefully we don't "grow" for next year's picture!</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And of course we have to take a picture on the big rock!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0397_zps484e8ac0.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="2014 photo DSC_0397_zps484e8ac0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0397_zps484e8ac0.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2014</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0396_zps02ff3d0c.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0396_zps02ff3d0c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0396_zps02ff3d0c.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2014</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Piseco2013_2_zpse13e3a13.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Big rock - 2013 photo Piseco2013_2_zpse13e3a13.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Piseco2013_2_zpse13e3a13.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(again, too wet to sit!)</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Piseco2012_2_zps341e4d6f.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Big rock - 2012 photo Piseco2012_2_zps341e4d6f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Piseco2012_2_zps341e4d6f.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Piseco2011_zps90995664.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Big rock - 2011 photo Piseco2011_zps90995664.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Piseco2011_zps90995664.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2011</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Could they be any littler?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">We had a great view from the top this year! Thankfully, there is always people at the top willing to take a picture for us. </span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0277_zpsed5ff744.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0277_zpsed5ff744.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0277_zpsed5ff744.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0327_zps8308f0dc.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0327_zps8308f0dc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0327_zps8308f0dc.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one is my favorite!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0290_zps6d5b34db.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0290_zps6d5b34db.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0290_zps6d5b34db.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bud took this one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We need to give him lessons on how to take straight pictures. Until then, we'll call his work "artistically angled." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year was nice because we didn't start up the mountain until the afternoon so we were the last ones left at the top and had it to ourselves for quite a while. That was a new experience that made it even more fun. The kids were able to really explore and have fun, without me following behind making sure they weren't being rude or disrespectful to the other people. </span><br />
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Now please prepare yourself for a photo dump. I think they tell the story better than any words!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0197_zpsb1a02ab9.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0197_zpsb1a02ab9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0197_zpsb1a02ab9.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trail head</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(which requires a boxing stance?)</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0208_zps15797c16.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0208_zps15797c16.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0208_zps15797c16.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This tree was uprooted before our trip last year...perhaps another annual picture is in the making</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0214_zps3be00525.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0214_zps3be00525.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0214_zps3be00525.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jumping is fun!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0217_zpsb8cf3b1c.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0217_zpsb8cf3b1c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0217_zpsb8cf3b1c.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For everyone!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0221_zps54f3338a.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0221_zps54f3338a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0221_zps54f3338a.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mean everyone!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0218_zpsae989b24.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0218_zpsae989b24.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0218_zpsae989b24.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0220_zps6451c640.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0220_zps6451c640.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0220_zps6451c640.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bud insisted I take their picture on the jumping rock!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0230_zps32245c70.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="#mountainselfie photo DSC_0230_zps32245c70.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0230_zps32245c70.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#mountainselfie</span></div>
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#lookslikeaselfiebutmomjustlikescloseups</div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0391_zpsc717219d.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0391_zpsc717219d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0391_zpsc717219d.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love this one!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0395_zps6d4d6a88.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0395_zps6d4d6a88.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0395_zps6d4d6a88.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this one</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0378_zps4f147022.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0378_zps4f147022.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0378_zps4f147022.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why do it yourself, when a big strong guy can lift you right up?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She's getting so grown up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0273_zpse35ad05b.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0273_zpse35ad05b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0273_zpse35ad05b.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This guy too!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0228_zps5b0ae3ae.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0228_zps5b0ae3ae.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0228_zps5b0ae3ae.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's some serious friendship between these two</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0344_zps78519a88.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0344_zps78519a88.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0344_zps78519a88.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notice Bud is always right next to LC</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0243_zps5568783f.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0243_zps5568783f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0243_zps5568783f.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another very successful Piseco Trip!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">("Artistically angled" and otherwise!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'edwardian script itc'; font-size: 37px; text-align: start;">Lily</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: start;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: start;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: start;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-73451468142402397222014-09-25T13:03:00.001-04:002014-09-25T13:03:47.839-04:00First Day of School -- The Better Late Than Never edition<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I like a trend to really take hold and sort of be on the way out before I latch on. I don't know why but it's always been my way. I first realized it when Pogs (remember those) hit my school. I scoffed at the stupid new game and proudly held to my non-pog playing position. And then I realized I was kind of missing out and I humbly asked my mom to take me to the drugstore to buy my first set. Henceforth a full-fledged pogger I became. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So much like my pogging story, I like to arrive late to the party and so I present you with my 3 week late First Day of School post.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kindergarten and 3rd grade. WTF dude? I have a third grader! And my baby is in full-day kindergarten. [Insert mind exploding here]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wasn't scheduled to have the kids that morning and I frantically and pathetically begged their father to let me have them for the night so I could get the ready for their first day and do our traditional first day of school activities <strike>like freak out that Bud's pants don't fit him because he grew 7 feet overnight and scream at Babe to find out where she put her damned lunch box that I told her not to play with</strike>. Thankfully he took pity on me (since he leaves for work so early he wouldn't be the one to get them ready anyway) and I was able to salvage one of the few traditions I've established over the course of their short lives. First Day of School pictures at grandma's house! You'd think "grandma's house" would be my mom, but no, it's my ex's mom. We still have a fabulous relationship, and possibly an even stronger relationship now, and we are still very much a part of each others lives. I don't know what I would do without them! But enough of that. It's picture time!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0169_zpsf064fb28.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0169_zpsf064fb28.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0169_zpsf064fb28.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Do I have beautiful children or what?</div>
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<br /><a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0164_zps8e88d81c.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0164_zps8e88d81c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0164_zps8e88d81c.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bud says: "Let's be lions!" Babe says: "I'm too cute to be a lion!"</div>
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Still a lion. Still a cutie.</div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0160_zpscc5c3269.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0160_zpscc5c3269.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0160_zpscc5c3269.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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I told them to get excited! Bud's more worried about not looking into the sun.</div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0157_zps2e9e050e.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0157_zps2e9e050e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0157_zps2e9e050e.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Seriously mom, I can't look into the sun anymore!"</div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0156_zps4373cdb0.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0156_zps4373cdb0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0156_zps4373cdb0.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Babe says sun is no excuse to hold back on the sass! </div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0152_zps20cb3b7d.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0152_zps20cb3b7d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0152_zps20cb3b7d.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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My non-baby-OMG-when-did-you-even-become-real-kids kids</div>
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He's finally coming around to the whole posing for the camera thing. </div>
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(It's because he secretly hopes I'll post stuff to Facebook)</div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0150_zpsf2b0cd6e.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0150_zpsf2b0cd6e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/DSC_0150_zpsf2b0cd6e.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Kindergarten. Just...kindergarten. Whoa.</div>
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I am so proud of these kids! They've had to deal (and are still dealing) with a lot over the past year and a half, but they are both amazing individuals. Bud is so smart it's scary. He understands things that he has no business understanding at 8 years old and he just craves knowledge like no child I have ever met before. He's funny and silly and so compassionate. Babe brings vibrancy to every dark corner. Her personality and exuberance for life and fun is unrivaled. She is sassy and smart and thoughtful. They both make me laugh and make me strive to be a better person and a better mother. I couldn't ask for more. I think it's going to be a good year.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-45066273582107354012014-09-03T11:41:00.000-04:002014-09-03T11:41:55.568-04:00The Great New York State Fair - A Review!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spent Saturday at The Great New York State Fair! It was awesome, as usual! I chose to spend my birthday there and it did not disappoint! We bought the bracelets (for rides) and it was totally worth it! We waited on one really long line so we didn't get as many rides in as I had hoped, but thankfully the ride we waited for was a good one and we got to all the ones I was hoping to get on! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started by walking around and checking out the butter sculpture and the sand castle. Two of my favorites! </span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30112905_zps0ed6f7c0.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 2014-08-30112905_zps0ed6f7c0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30112905_zps0ed6f7c0.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm always amazed at what they can sculpt in butter!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year they did a tribute to Dr. Seuss and it was awesome! The detail is unreal!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then we headed for the rides. The kids had an absolute blast! Before we even got to the Fair, it was determined that we would be going on the trampolines. I cannot say no to that request! I think I'm more of a kid when it comes to trampolines then they are! LOVE THEM! They cost a little extra but they were so worth it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30124124_zpse4993b53.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 2014-08-30124124_zpse4993b53.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30124124_zpse4993b53.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bud was doing double flips on each jump! He was amazing!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30123916-2_zpsdfc75813.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 2014-08-30123916-2_zpsdfc75813.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30123916-2_zpsdfc75813.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Babe was flipping too! She's so light that it was hard for her to get around...but she didn't give up and was a pro by the time she was done!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, of course, I couldn't be left out! Who doesn't love to flip?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bud also brought some of his own money to spend and decided to do the rock wall too. No surprise, he was amazing at it! He kept going up and down and switching lines and generally having a blast the whole time! </span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30125043_zps18c12fef.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 2014-08-30125043_zps18c12fef.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30125043_zps18c12fef.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My little monkey up at the top!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Babe had to take advantage too! She's a little dare devil as much as he is!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bud also couldn't resist the hammer/bell ringing thing. You know what I mean, the strong man thing. I'm sure there is a name for it but I have no idea what it is. It's where you use the heavy hammer to hit the thing and ring the bell. He got it on his second try and came away with a new toy...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't mess with this guy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And Babe got in on the action too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We really had a blast on all the rides and with the games, but my all-time favorite thing to do is see the State Trooper K-9 and Repelling demonstrations. The. Best. We cut our time at the rides short so we could make it to these shows. It wouldn't be the Fair without them. </span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30152850_zps36a1bd75.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 2014-08-30152850_zps36a1bd75.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30152850_zps36a1bd75.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waiting <strike>is</strike> for the dogs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were lucky to get a spot in the shade!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here are a few more fun shots...</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30131737_zpsfb500612.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo 2014-08-30131737_zpsfb500612.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30131737_zpsfb500612.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let the excitement begin!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30115031_zps86b889c1.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo 2014-08-30115031_zps86b889c1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/2014-08-30115031_zps86b889c1.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Babe insisted on going on the merry-go-round</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wish I had gotten this closer up</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one too. Oh well!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So as you can see, another GREAT time at the State Fair! If you are ever in the Syracuse area in late August, you should definitely check it out!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I received free tickets to the Fair for my preview and review posts. I'd have done it for free because I love the fair so much, but getting tickets makes it even better! </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-84025885542624062832014-08-28T22:58:00.000-04:002014-08-28T22:58:49.710-04:00The Great New York State Fair<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's that time of year folks! One of my favorites! Fair time!!! The Great New York State Fair is one of my favorite things to do...so much in fact, that this year it's where I'm choosing to spend my birthday! I can't wait! My parents are coming up and we'll spend the day eating fair food and getting sick on rides! Is there anything better?? I think not! And what makes this a real birthday treat is that I got free tickets, courtesy of The Great New York State Fair, just for sharing one of my favorite activites with you!! It's like a giant birthday party from the State of New York!! WOOOOOO!!!!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't wait to see the butter sculpture, the giant sand castle, and one of my absolute favorites, the New York State Police Canine exhibition!! The kids are already planning out the rides they want to go on and we have a complicated system of choosing partners for each ride, especially the giant slide (another of my favorites)!! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So be ready next week for a huge photo dump from our experience!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9tLirMT42E/U__rjVRIpoI/AAAAAAAABAc/q6SVy1ZFQ10/s1600/Babe's%2Bfirst%2Bfair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9tLirMT42E/U__rjVRIpoI/AAAAAAAABAc/q6SVy1ZFQ10/s1600/Babe's%2Bfirst%2Bfair.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Babe's first fair - 4 years ago!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and Bud on the big slide!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-34692047281920690982014-08-08T16:22:00.001-04:002014-08-08T16:22:51.450-04:00Friday Flashback<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a while since I did a Friday Flashback. Mainly because I ran out of entertaining pictures of me being an idiot. Thankfully, I've done things in the last few years to make my kids look like idiots too! Yay for idiots!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's Flashback takes us back 5 years when Babe was just a wee thing and Bud was almost the same size he is now. (Sadly, I'm not exaggerating all that much.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They may be helpless pawns in my game of life, but they sure are cute!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Friday!!!</span>
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-11906666814854280672014-08-06T14:29:00.000-04:002014-08-06T14:29:17.195-04:00Happy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See this? This is me and LC. This is what happiness looks like. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Divorce is a feisty bitch, emotions flying, self-esteem plummeting, despair nipping at your heels. There were times that I <i>knew</i> I was destined to spend my days as a lonely cat lady, my children refusing to come see me because of the pain they had to endure due to my life-altering decision <strike>and not wanting to smell like cat pee when they left</strike>. Other days I thought maybe things wouldn't be so bad, lonely for sure, but I'd plod along and be fine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I often thought about how nice it would be if someone came to sweep me off my feet and restore my faith in love and life. And then I realized that a lot of people I knew didn't even know my marriage was over so no one was going to come knocking. It was up to me. So I did the knocking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've known LC for years and I'm good friends with his relatives. I knew they wanted to set him up with a nice girl, but I figured maybe he'd settle for me anyway. So after <strike>constant</strike> much thought, I sent an email. I made it light and casual and asked him if he wanted to hang out . Then I sat and waited...and waited...and waited...and waited................and waited! Ten hours <strike>that bastard</strike> he made me sit and wait for a response! It was touch and go for a while, I wasn't sure I was going to make it, but he did <strike>finally</strike> respond and we made plans. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My super awesome idea of bowling was thwarted by league night, but of course we didn't know that until we got there and every head in the place turned to look at the outsiders <i>daring</i> to walk in the place. We slowly retreated with our hands facing out showing we meant no harm. So now what? We did what any hip, 30-something couple would do...we headed to McDonald's to share our first meal together! <strike>We are the definition of hip.</strike> We reclaimed the night by following it up with a movie. I have no recollection of what we saw, I just remembered sitting next to him, willing him to reach out and hold my hand or somehow affirm that we were in fact on a date and it wasn't only me feeling the attraction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That night we parted with the situation just as unclear as when I first emailed him. Not really sure what each others intentions were, not ready to set expectations. I went home and micro-analyzed every aspect of the night, replaying all the things I said, all the things he said, feeling like an idiot for the things I said, thinking he was smart and funny and just plain fun to be around. I didn't really have any expectations, but I knew I didn't want that night to be our only experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> As with any new relationship, things were exciting and emotional and <i>happy.</i> While I still wasn't sure that our relationship would develop into something deeper, for the first time in YEARS I was happy. I. Was. Happy. Who knew! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the weeks turned into months, I kept expecting for things to sour or at least ebb. I kept waiting for him to lose interest or start treating me differently. But he didn't. In fact, things kept getting better. I mean sure, when you start with zero expectations it's easy to impress, but he didn't just not let me down, he continuously surprised me with his awesomeness, he always took another step at just the right time. We finally got to the point where we could define our relationship. I wanted to be his "girlfriend." I wanted to play a bigger role in his life, more than just a way to pass the time a few nights a week. Once again, he didn't disappoint. The first time he referred to me as his girlfriend time stood still for a moment and I just smiled. I really liked those words coming from his lips. <i>I was happy.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout this time I only spent time with him when it wasn't my night with the kids. I was hesitant to get my kids attached to someone who may walk out at any moment. Now I can see that </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">perceived risk was unfounded, but at the time it was the right thing to do. But slowly, as our relationship developed (and kept getting better) I began to entertain the notion of moving in together. We'd been together for over a year at that point and it felt like the right thing to do. One night, I cautiously asked if he'd ever consider moving in with us. He didn't hesitate. He said he'd already given it a lot of thought and wanted to do it. One of the things I love about him is his ability to analyze a situation and make a good decision. For all my fears and concerns surrounding the decision, I was instantly put at ease when he so quickly and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">unwaveringly declared he felt the same way. <i>I was happy.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We didn't want to rush things, and as I said, he didn't come around much when I had the kids. We had a good discussion about expectations and all the stuff mature adults should discuss when making such a big decision. I told him the first order of business was to become a bigger presence in the kids lives. He started coming over for dinner, every so often at first, and then more and more frequently until he was over every night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To say my kids adore him is an understatement. The look in Bud's eye when he talks to him and the excitement he can't contain when he comes in, it's more than I could have ever hoped for. Of course, Bud plays it cool, he tries hard to seem nonchalant, but he can't hide it from his mother. LC makes him happy too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just when I think things can't get better, I catch him having a tea party with Babe. There are no words for that one. Happy doesn't even describe it (and I'm sorry I don't have a picture). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And while LC doesn't want to overstep his bounds with them (he's good at taking things slow), I know the feelings are mutual. I nearly melted into a pile of goo when I saw that he changed the wallpaper on his phone to a picture of my kids. Love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we finally decided we wanted to live together, it coincided with a particularly rough time for Bud as he struggled with some new people in his life. It got me worried that he wouldn't be ready for the step we were so obviously ready for. I knew I needed to ask how both kids felt about him moving in, and not just tell them this is how it's going to be. I wanted them to feel like this was a family decision. And honestly, it was. As much as I wanted him to move in, if they even hinted they didn't want it to happen, then it wouldn't have happened. I was working up the nerve to talk to them about it and trying to figure out just the right way to word it, when Bud did the work for me. He said something about LC not living with us so I grabbed onto it and asked if he would want him to move in. In his ever-so-genius-seven-year-old way, he responded, "I would love it but it's a big decision and the two of you have to be ready for it." Then after just a moment's pause he added, "Are you ready for that?" I couldn't hide my smile. Yes, I told him, I was ready for it. But I told him that it was very important that he and Babe were comfortable with it and I knew he had been struggling with other people lately and didn't want to push it. He didn't hesitate and responded, "LC is different, LC is smart and strong and loyal and I really want him to move in with us!" <i>I was happy.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So a couple of months ago LC moved in. It was right. And Bud was right. LC is smart and strong and loyal and most of all, he makes us all happy. Perhaps things will still come crashing down, as my past relationships have programmed me to expect. But perhaps it won't. Perhaps it will keep getting better as we grow together and live together and love together. We are happy. It's so simple, yet so complex. <i>I am happy.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Notice how Babe is clinging to him. She adores him, just like we all do.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-19148424210474830502014-07-07T16:17:00.000-04:002014-07-07T16:17:34.337-04:00Happy Fourth!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Babe was there too! She just preferred to chill with S all day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-60514309310283510732014-06-16T12:25:00.001-04:002014-06-16T12:25:56.371-04:00A new light<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I know my next post was supposed to be about LC moving in with
us, but I need to delay it to talk about this weekend. (And the weekend wouldn't have been possible without him so I think it's ok.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday was LC’s nieces birthday. She turned 11 and decided she
wanted to go to Destiny USA and do the ropes course and the Wonder Works
interactive museum. (Yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds.) She had hoped that Bud
and Babe could come too, and although it wasn’t my weekend with them, their
father let me have them for the night so they could join the fun. I am so very
glad we had the opportunity because I learned more about my children in those
few hours than ever before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are both always up for fun and adventure, but they are also a
little hesitant to be TOO wild and crazy. I’ve known for a while that Bud isn’t
really scared of heights. I mean, after all, he did climb up the rope swing and
touch the branch that was 40 feet in the air!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VlJ0UbOfEEg/T_b4DAzwlhI/AAAAAAAAA1k/iUG1SUhnQAg/s1600/Bud+climbing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VlJ0UbOfEEg/T_b4DAzwlhI/AAAAAAAAA1k/iUG1SUhnQAg/s1600/Bud+climbing.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bud climbing the rope swing - 2012</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/CanyonClimb_zpsa906130c.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo CanyonClimb_zpsa906130c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/CanyonClimb_zpsa906130c.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Canyon Climb at Destiny USA <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.wonderworksonline.com/destiny/experience/canyon-climb-adventure-ropes-challenge-course/">via</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So yeah, I knew heights weren't a real big deal for him, but I expected
him to be a little cautious. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because of their height (well, lack of height
really), they were both required to be with an adult. LC took Bud and I took Babe. Once
we were all strapped in, Bud took off up the stairs to the first platform with
LC right behind him. Babe was a little more hesitant as she climbed the big
steps up to the platform. By the time we got up there LC and Bud had done
several of the obstacles already. We waved and I yelled good job and turned my
focus to Babe. She was a little nervous but she was still very excited to do
the “big kid rope course.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next time I turned to find Bud, he was WAY ahead
and lengthening the distance between him and LC. The boy was on FIRE! He showed
no fear as he navigated obstacle after obstacle! I was so impressed with his
ability to focus (a real problem in other situations) and his strength and
determination with all of the obstacles! I was worried for him, especially because
I wasn’t with him to see how he was doing, but every time I found him, he was
smiling ear to ear and floating across the ropes! His bravery and determination
were a sight to behold!!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/22B42E69-BFB2-4062-B3EA-410243863850_zpsvhpyi790.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 22B42E69-BFB2-4062-B3EA-410243863850_zpsvhpyi790.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/22B42E69-BFB2-4062-B3EA-410243863850_zpsvhpyi790.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Horrible quality but it was the best I could do.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then Babe. Wow. Just wow. She’s going to be 5 in a couple of
weeks, but this little girl showed you don’t have to be big to show what you
are capable of! As I said, she was nervous at first, and she stayed nervous
throughout, but her inner strength and determination left me in awe! When we
got to the first platform she was scared and holding onto me. I got down with
her and asked her which path she wanted to take first (each platform had a
variety of obstacle choices). She pointed to the one she wanted to take and I
started to move that way. She asked me to hold her arm and I started to get
nervous that she wasn’t going to go through with it, but she put one hesitant foot
out onto the rope, asked if I had her good, and then proceeded to make her way
steadily over the rope. Step by step she made it to the other side, she carefully
stepped onto the platform, and then hugged the support pole for dear life. I
told her she did a great job and that she made me proud and she smiled and
said, “That was scary.” I told her it was a little scary but she did great and
I reassured her that she was harnessed in and I would hold her arm or hand over
each one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I asked which path was next and she made her decision and off we
went. Again, slow and steady she made her way across. At the next platform she
hugged the pole again, but not nearly as desperate this time. Again, I asked
her which one and she told me, I moved to get us in position when she said, “Wait! I just need a minute.” I became nervous again that she was going to
bail, but she took a minute, and then said “Ok, mom, I’m ready.” Off we went.
This is how it continued for the next hour! (Yes, hour!) We’d go over a few
obstacles and she’d need to compose herself again but then she’d be right back
out there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I should mention that through this whole thing I was right on her
heels the entire time, literally. I had to wait for her foot to move so I could
put my foot down. But being right behind her, made it much more unstable as we
crossed the ropes. She weighs next to nothing, but I have, ahem, a few pounds
on her, so I was weighing down the rope and trying to keep my balance while
holding her arm and making sure I didn’t fall myself. A few times I definitely made
the rope shake more than I wanted to but she just bent her knees a little more
and kept going. The girl was AMAZING!!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I said, I started out holding onto her arm as we made our way
across, but eventually we got to an obstacle that we needed to go sideways on. I
couldn’t hold her arm and keep myself on the rope, so I told her I’d just hang
onto her harness strap. She was ok with that and we made our way across. Because
she did that so fearlessly, I tried something new on the next one. She asked me
to hold onto her again so I told her I would hold onto the ring at the back of
her harness, she was fine with that. As we made our way across is became
difficult to keep hold of her like that so I let go. I didn’t tell her, of
course, and we made it across with no problem. I did the same thing on the next
one, and the next one, and then I just let her go. And she went. I have never
felt more pride for that child than in that moment. Even though she was scared,
even though she preferred me to hold on, she did it all on her own and did it
WELL! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know we all worry for our children and I know we worry that they’ll
be able to handle what life will throw at them. But their resilience and
determination made me a little less anxious and a lot more proud. It may have
been just a small moment in their childhood, but I caught a glimpse of the strong,
successful adults they are going to become and I couldn’t be more proud.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Ropescoursaftermath_zps9e80482d.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Ropescoursaftermath_zps9e80482d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Ropescoursaftermath_zps9e80482d.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The drive home</span></div>
<span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-68796257031135693092014-06-06T14:25:00.000-04:002014-06-06T14:25:29.903-04:00Divorce<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next let’s move on to something a long time coming and, happily,
now resolved: my divorce. When I say “happily,” I don’t mean that I’m happy to
be divorced. I wish things didn’t go down this way, and I really dislike that
I’m going to have to check “Divorced” on any marital status questions. I wish
that my kids had both their parents in the same house and didn’t have to deal
with everything they now have to deal with. So no, I’m not really happy that
I’m divorced. But I had to get divorced. It couldn’t stay the way it was and
the past wasn’t going to change. I am capable of forgiveness once, but twice,
on something so fundamental, is just beyond my ability. I deserve better. I
deserve to be happy. And now I am.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am happy to be done with the <i>process</i>
of divorce. Overall, we have kept things very civil during the whole thing and
we didn’t have to take anything to court. We were able to agree to the terms
without making it a legal battle. There were some close calls, some nasty
words, and even some tears, but we’ve come to agreements on everything that
suits us both and I’m confident that we can manage things from here on out. Not
without frustration, of course, but we lead relatively simple lives and neither
of us cares to create unnecessary drama. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m still very close to his family. They’ve been incredibly
supportive through this whole thing. They wish that things could have been
different, but they know that maintaining a good relationship with me is vital
to all of us, for the sake of the kids. It’s all going to be ok because that’s
the top priority for all of us. Not only do they provide moral support, they
also provide childcare. They watch our kids every day after school and are so
integral in our kid’s lives. Having a good relationship with them is so key. I’ve
told them for years that we couldn’t do it without them, and nothing has
changed there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main question everyone has is about the kids. How are they
doing? It’s impossible for this situation not to affect them. Babe is too young
to really understand any of it, and she seems to adjust really well. I think
she’s adaptable in general, so that really helps her to deal with what comes.
Bud is struggling a bit more. He’s old enough to remember what it used to be
like. A few weeks ago he told me that he wishes we could all be in the same
house again, me in the kitchen, my ex in the living room and him playing with
his toys. What he doesn’t realize is that I was hiding in the kitchen so I didn’t
have to deal with my ex. And my ex was in the living room ignoring all of us.
But that was “normal” for us and so Bud misses “normal.” I don’t blame him. Our
custody arrangement isn’t the easiest on him either. We split 2 days-2 days-3 days
(ensuring we each have the kids for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday every other
week). It really works for us, but it isn’t so easy for them to be jumping back
and forth between houses. It won’t stay like this, the arrangement will evolve
as our lives evolve and the kids grow older. But for now, this is the best arrangement.
They get to see us an equal amount of time, and that’s very important to all of
us. My ex was a terrible husband, but he’s a very devoted father and I would
never take them away from each other. </span><span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To add to the custody struggle, my ex had his girlfriend and two (slightly
older) children move in. I’ve known his girlfriend for years (she was his sister’s
best friend growing up) so they know each other well, and I’ve always gotten
along with her and think she’s a good mom. I also think it’s very important to
have a working relationship with her. It’s in all of our best interests. Plus,
I don’t want to be with my ex in the least, so there is no ill will about it at
all. But now my kids suddenly went from being one of two, to being one of four,
and the transition hasn’t been easy for Bud. He’s struggling to adjust to a new
set of rules in the house he’s lived in for more than half of his life, and he’s
struggling with all the “stuff” that she’s brought into the house. He says that
she moved in and took over the house. That’s hard for a 7 year old to deal
with. I think part of the reason he’s struggling so much is that he’s not as
adaptable as Babe. I don’t think her “new rules” are unreasonable, and <i>of
course</i> she moved her stuff in. But he doesn’t like that we aren’t together
anymore and he can’t get past that to be accepting of all the change. I can’t
say I blame him. I just feel awful that I can’t do anything to change it for
him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With all these changes, he’s beginning to have difficulty at
school. He’s the smartest boy around, he has no trouble learning, but his focus
is non-existent. If the teacher isn’t right on him all the time he does
everything but his work. His teacher <i>can’t</i>
be on top of him all the time though. We are working with the school to figure out
what we can do to help the situation. We’ll see what happens there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outside of school he’s doing very well. He is a happy boy and is
so damn smart! I have a hard time keeping up with him sometimes! Thank God for
Google! He is old enough now to do a lot of things on his own. He makes himself
breakfast most mornings (meaning mama gets to sleep in a few extra minutes…holla!!!!)
and then he brushes his teeth without being told. I still pick out his clothes because
I prefer he not look like a homeless
person, but once his clothes are out he dresses himself. It’s a glorious thing.
And we’ve become much closer with all that’s going on. We’ve had some really
great conversations and I think that’s helped both of us handle some of the
rougher aspects. He’s such a good kid. I know he’ll be ok, but I also have to
make sure I keep on top of things so I don’t lose him. I’m not too worried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So let’s leave this part here. I’m divorced. Now on to the next
chapter…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-7799722870215483062014-06-05T13:25:00.001-04:002014-06-05T13:25:35.166-04:00My mom's fight<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot has happened in the time I’ve been away. My Italy trip was
AMAZING, I’m officially divorced, my boyfriend moved in, and my mother has one
less breast than she had at the time of my last post. I have so much to say so
I’m going to break this up into a few posts but I need to start with my mom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in February. Hell of a
Valentine’s Day phone call to receive! I knew she was getting a biopsy for a “suspicious
spot” but I honestly wasn’t concerned. When she called to tell me they found
cancer my world did one of those special-effect things where everything goes
really far away and I was almost outside my body. I believe that’s called fear.
The scariest part was the fear I heard in my mother’s voice. She’s incredibly
practical and logical and to hear her becoming panicky was something I can’t
describe. I honestly don’t remember the conversation, everything was a blur. A
couple of weeks ago she told me that I did a really good job of calming her
down during that call. I’m really glad I was able to do that for her, but I don’t
remember a word of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next came more testing and waiting. She had another biopsy to
determine if she needed a mastectomy or could get by with a lumpectomy. She was
really hoping there wouldn’t be any more spots and she would be able to just
have a lumpectomy. The results: more cancer in a different part of her breast. Mastectomy
it is. To throw an added wrinkle in the
story. We were about 6 weeks away from our Italy trip. Does she have to miss
the trip? Can she recover in time? Or…can it wait? It seems like such a trivial
thing to worry about, but it wasn’t. The trip was an all-girls trip, comprised
of family and close friends. Ten of us in all, exploring Sicily and sharing an
experience that cannot be duplicated. More on the trip itself later, but my mom
brought it up to the doctors. They told her they caught it early, very early,
so if she wanted to put it off for a few more weeks it would be ok! We all
breathed a sigh of relief. Cancer is a bitch to begin with, but don’t start
messing with our trip of a lifetime! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then came the hard decision of which doctor to choose, and the
harder decision of whether she wanted to have one breast or both removed. So
many woman have both removed, even though cancer is not in the other breast. It’s
done for cosmetic reasons only, the chance of getting it in the other breast
isn’t any higher than getting it in another part of the body, but it’s a very
personal decision. Each woman has to do what is right for her, and there’s not
always a clear answer. After much deliberation and discussion with suvivors who’ve
been through it, she finally decided on her team of doctors (one to remove the
breast and another to do the reconstruction after) and she finally decided to
only have one removed. Neither was an easy decision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day before the surgery I went down to be with her. She was
scared. Have you ever seen your parent scared? It’s not easy. But I did my best
to keep her in good spirits and distract her from what was to come. Her surgery
lasted about 4 hours total (to remove the breast and then to have the expanders
inserted to begin the reconstruction process). My dad and I waited in the
waiting room and they called us back to give updates after each part of the
surgery. The best news we had received was that they tested her lymph nodes in
the process and they came back clean! The cancer wasn’t spreading to other
parts of her body! Once she came out of surgery we were able to see her in
recovery. THAT was an experience! She was supposed to spend an hour or two there
and then be moved to her room where she’d stay the night. They kept saying they’d
be moving her soon. After 4 hours they said it was a shift change for the
nurses so it was going to be a while longer. Two hours later the nurses in
recovery were on the phone to the cancer floor demanding to know why my mom was
STILL there. The cancer floor was understaffed and they didn’t have a bed ready
for her yet. She finally made it up there and was given the first-class
upgrade! Her private room was nicer than any 5-star hotel and her view of the
59<sup>th</sup> Street bridge was amazing!! It was worth the wait! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She spent one night there and we took her home by noon the next
day. She was given exercises to do (to prevent her shoulder from locking and to
keep her range of motion) and we were given instructions on how to care for the
drain that helps remove all the gunk that accumulates after surgery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was able to stay a few more days and then had to go back to work
for commencement. College graduation waits for no man <s>or woman who works
hard to help organize and distribute diplomas to the graduates</s>! My boss was
so understanding and would have let me skip it, except that we are short
staffed and I just had to be there. But I headed back to my mom’s the next day
and spent several more days trying to get my mom to sit down and relax and not
do too much. Do you know what it’s like trying to prevent your mother from
taking care of chores and doing little odd jobs around the house? It ain’t
easy! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s been 3 weeks since her surgery and she’s making a good
recovery. There are ups and downs, both physical and emotional. I think the
emotional piece has been the hardest for her. She didn’t want this to happen
(who does?) and it’s really a grieving process to get through it. I think she’s
overcome the hardest parts (I hope anyway) and she continues to be a fighter
and be strong. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To be honest, I haven’t worried a whole lot through this whole thing. I guess I just know that my mom will fight however hard she needs to. There’s a reason I’m capable of overcoming all the obstacles in my life, and I thank God every day that I’m becoming more and more like her and that I have the pleasure of still having her here to help me through my stuff, even while she’s fighting her own battle. I don’t mean to imply I’m not worried at all, just that in the back of my mind I know she’s going to be fine. She’s a fighter and she will survive. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/MomandmeinItaly_zps838ce038.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MomandmeinItaly_zps838ce038.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/MomandmeinItaly_zps838ce038.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Italy 2014</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-69785267791109399082014-04-25T10:15:00.000-04:002014-04-25T10:19:40.059-04:00Italy or bust! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dudes! I'm heading to Italy! Like right now! I'm writing this in the airport! I have to take a flight to NYC to meet my mom and one aunt and one cousin and then we fly into Rome before our final destination in Sicily! We'll be meeting up with more fabulous ladies...10 of us in all, and we'll be staying in an Oceanside villa for a whole week! Jealous yet? :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I was hoping to post some pictures here but my iPad is not cooperating so I'm hoping you can view them from these links. These are pics from the website of the place we are staying! You can expect a plethora of my own pics of this view soon! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/[URL=http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/?action=view&current=89f098e7a05abad2cd276b2609650d0e_zps906d4fad.jpg][IMG]http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/th_89f098e7a05abad2cd276b2609650d0e_zps906d4fad.jpg[/IMG][/URL]">Picture 1</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/[URL=http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/?action=view&current=86fdcf371e796471d69a5643dde87a3d_zps4e1f1379.jpg][IMG]http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/th_86fdcf371e796471d69a5643dde87a3d_zps4e1f1379.jpg[/IMG][/URL]">Picture 2</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arrivederci peeps! </span>
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-28404353413254141172014-03-25T09:50:00.002-04:002014-03-25T09:50:15.119-04:00Our Line Dancing Experience<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my best friends teaches line dancing every week. I rarely go but I do enjoy it when I do. For a variety of reasons, I decided to go last week. I knew Babe would enjoy it and Bud was excited about the prospect of running around on the auditorium stage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the outfit Babe wore when we went... </span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Babelinedancing_zpscb71a17b.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Babelinedancing_zpscb71a17b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Babelinedancing_zpscb71a17b.jpg" height="640" width="547" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Babe inherited her ability and love of dance from someone else, no question, because she did GREAT for never having done it before! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, as expected, she got a little tired of it after about 3 songs and went to play with Bud. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But this post isn't really about line dancing, nor about my daughter's stellar outfit choices. It's about Bud. Because what happened when we were leaving is when the real story began. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finished dancing and went to round up the kids in the gym. They had been playing with LC's niece (Oh, I should mention that LC is what I will use to refer to my boyfriend) so they had played an invigorating game of tag and all sorts of other games that left them hot and sweaty. When I went in both kids had their shirts and socks off. It was an especially attractive look on Babe with that crazy skirt! As I walked in, Bud saw me and, being the monkey he is, scrambled up some mats that were rolled up in the corner. I WISH I had my camera to record what happened next...but I didn't so you'll have to settle for my awful reenactments using a drawing app on my iPad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I walked into the gym to find him like this...</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Bud1_zps66e50b32.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Bud1_zps66e50b32.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Bud1_zps66e50b32.jpg" height="640" width="587" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And because his effortless climbing skills always amaze me I started to fumble for my iPad so I could tell him to do it again so I could catch it on video. I wrestled my iPad out of my bag, got the camera up and ready, looked up and Bud was GONE! WTF? Until I realized...</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Bud2_zps6f6e4e57.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Bud2_zps6f6e4e57.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Bud2_zps6f6e4e57.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, he was IN the mat!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crap!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Bud3_zpsd05e556b.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Bud3_zpsd05e556b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Bud3_zpsd05e556b.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />As soon as I got to the mat, I knew the only way to get him out was to tip him over. It was a big mat! (Please note: my drawing-to-scale skills are nonexistent) So I told him what I was going to do, reached up, grabbed a hold of the mat, and tipped him over. </span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Bud4_zps8a93704f.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Bud4_zps8a93704f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Bud4_zps8a93704f.jpg" height="640" width="540" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I let go of the mat I told him to crawl out...but what I didn't count on was that the heavy mat would compress...effectively squishing him inside and FREAKING HIM OUT!!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Bud5_zpsad56a20b.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Bud5_zpsad56a20b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Bud5_zpsad56a20b.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />So I quickly <strike>struggled to</strike> picked the mat back up and rested it on my knees and told him to slide out of the bottom. Except that he was in full panic mode and all he kept saying was I'm stuck! I'm stuck! HELP!!! So I told him to give me his hands. You know what? He was STUCK!! Because he didn't have a shirt on and was sweaty, and now panicky, he was completely stuck to the inside! I pulled and pulled!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Bud6_zpsb438e630.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Bud6_zpsb438e630.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Bud6_zpsb438e630.jpg" height="241" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I FINALLY got him out and I said to him...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Dancing7_MSPaint_zps036586ed.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Dancing7_MSPaint_zps036586ed.jpeg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Dancing7_MSPaint_zps036586ed.jpeg" height="284" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They both can't wait to go back next week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-30870934121867018552014-03-21T16:17:00.000-04:002014-03-21T16:17:19.954-04:00When is it OK to forgive the unforgivable?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For privacy sake I’m not going to go into full details, but what is
helpful to know is that I used to be best friends with someone until she
completely betrayed my trust in one of the worst possible ways. At the time I
really wanted to put it behind us and remain friends. I tried, but I just couldn’t.
It was too raw and even though rational me said it was ok to forgive and
forget, emotional me was all “Nut uh girl! She best be steppin!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s been
almost</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a year now and I’ve seen her a
time or two but it was in passing and that was it. The hard part about this
whole thing is that her son and Bud are best friends. Best, best, best friends!
And this year they aren’t in the same class so they barely see each other at
school and they don’t get to hang out outside of school either. As hurt as I
was that still made me feel bad for the kids. They can’t control any of that
and I hated to see them pay for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No one has ever faulted me for ending the friendship, in fact
people thought I was crazy to even try to make it work. But, last night I saw
her at the local ice cream place (ironically, the same place we met for the
first time several years ago) and we chatted for a bit. I felt like I was meeting a past lover who I never got over. I realized how much I missed her!
She’s fun and spontaneous, but also a planner, and we get along so well with no
effort at all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I want to try to start up our friendship again. Part of me is
excited at the prospect of having her as a friend again. The other part screams
that I’m an idiot and if she could hurt me that badly once, she’s not going to
hesitate to do it again. Am I just setting myself up for more pain? Or should I
forgive her and move on? Maybe I’ve already forgiven her. Her actions were a
catalyst for other things but they certainly weren’t the “reason” things went
down the way they did. Maybe I should even thank her, because really everything
has worked out for the best. I think maybe it will be easier to forgive than
forget. But I think it might be worth a shot. I’m pretty sure we won’t ever be
as close as we once were, but I think that’s ok. It will just be nice to have
an old friend back, and someone to take excursions to the zoo with, and all the
other things that I’m so bad about doing. So I think I’ll try to
forgive…and if I’m lucky, even forget. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-65096376521058085932014-03-18T15:18:00.001-04:002014-03-18T15:18:38.188-04:00Anyone know a good bookie? <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bud is obsessed with money. We play Monopoly in every spare minute
and all he wants to do (and all he does…the little jerk) is land on free
parking. He constantly talks about how much money he has saved and what he can
buy with it. We had a conversation in the car about who was on what bills. I,
shamefully, didn’t know very many so when we got home he asked if we could google
it. Did you know there is a $100,000 bill? He said he wanted it. I told him so
did I! He asked if we could play the lotto, and then quickly added that if we
win I should give all the money to him because it was his idea. Money, money,
money, money, money. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of weeks ago when my mom was up for a visit, he asked her
to play bank. He was “buying and selling” cars and was giving pretty accurate
values to my mom. But the piѐce de rѐsistance was this weekend when he went to
a birthday party at the local, in-door mini-golf place. I dropped him off, and
like any good mom, I hightailed it out of there so I didn’t have to socialize.
When I went back to pick him up the birthday boy’s mom informed me that Ryan
had a dollar in his pocket for winning a round of mini-golf. I didn’t think
much of it and I told him I was proud of him for playing so well that he won a
prize! Until we got into the car and I got the full story: He challenged the
mom to a round of mini-golf and bet her money that he could beat her. They got
done, after he sufficiently whipped her, where she proceeded to try to give him
a “gold doubloon” (fake gold coin) as his winnings. He told her that he meant
the bet to be a <i>real</i> dollar…not fake
money! (The very <i>notion!</i>) He went on
to say that he was glad he won because he didn’t actually have any money on
him, but he felt good about the bet anyway because he was pretty sure he’d win.
Bud…coming to the a local OTB near you!</span><span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1884296251458643191.post-3551594321366375552014-02-27T13:34:00.000-05:002014-02-27T13:34:07.371-05:00Because you can never have too many pictures!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being away from my blog for so long, I’ve accumulated a lot of
pictures that I don’t want to get lost in the shuffle of life, so I’m going to
post them here. So here’s some things that have happened in the last few
months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bud has been in to muscles and working out and fitness lately. It's extremely funny while also awesome! He started watching You Tube tutorials of different workouts and was asking me questions on different types of workouts. I taught him how to do a plank and he got to the point where he could hold it for 6 minutes! Have you ever tried to hold a plank for 1 minute?? I have NO idea how he made it to 6!!! But, it was hilarious afterwards because his core was so sore! The next day he said he was still sore and he informed me he would NOT be holding it for 6 minutes anymore! I told him I thought that was a good idea!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Budworkout_zps7e7ddece.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo Budworkout_zps7e7ddece.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Budworkout_zps7e7ddece.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's him in a montage of You Tube guided awesomeness...</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Budworkout2_zpsa335fb9b.png.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo Budworkout2_zpsa335fb9b.png" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Budworkout2_zpsa335fb9b.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note the appearance of the snowman blanket? The wood floor was too hard and my exercise mat was at work so he improvised! He's doing leg lifts. He increased the difficulty by being up on his arms, as described by his You Tube tutorial!</span><br />
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But my most favorite story...and I SO WISH I had a picture of it...is from a few weeks ago when I took the kids to volleyball with me. They were so good playing on the sidelines and just hanging out. We were in between plays and I looked over and Bud was doing push ups on the sidelines. He didn't realize we were all watching him and all of sudden, very nonchalantly, he lifted up his left arm and put it behind his back and started to rep out ONE-ARMED PUSH UPS!!!!!!!!!! WTF????????? It was AMAZING! We were all going nuts watching him but he still didn't know we were paying attention to him. He did about 5 before he went back to two-armed ones. It was insane! The boy's got some talent! </span><br />
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Speaking of volleyball, a couple of months ago I brought my camera to one of our games and had Boyfriend's nephew take pictures as we played. He captured one of my favorite sequences of me and Boyfriend. You can see I was going for the ball before he called me off...</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/vball_zpsdeb9375d.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo vball_zpsdeb9375d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/vball_zpsdeb9375d.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Screeeeeeech!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now let's get to a little Babe. Her facial expressions and mannerisms are so expressive and hilarious! Never a dull moment for sure! She wanted me to play school with her but I was cooking dinner. I asked if we could play in the kitchen and she thought that was a great idea as she could take the opportunity to teach me how to cook!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/momnextdoorblog/media/Blog%20pictures/Babekitchen_zps31a943d0.png.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt=" photo Babekitchen_zps31a943d0.png" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd462/momnextdoorblog/Blog%20pictures/Babekitchen_zps31a943d0.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That last face is my favorite!! "Any questions?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And finally, like much of the country (except for my friends in the Northwest that NEVER get snow accumulation), we have been dumped on by snow. Most of the snow has also been accompanied by bitter cold temps so we really haven't had much chance to take advantage of the accumulation. But a couple of weekends ago we got a fresh dump and we took advantage of it! We went to the skate park right near our apartment and we had a lot of fun!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love these two!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will leave you with my favorite video of Babe EVER! Just an impromptu dance party in Wal-Mart! There is no music playing anywhere...she's just got her own beat going!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ariel;"></span><span style="font-family: edwardian script itc; font-size: 28pt;">Lily</span>momnextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14360061081170849593noreply@blogger.com3